Longer Course, TT Info & Prelim Calendar for 2010 Cyclocross Nationals

The organizers of Cyclocross Nationals in Bend, Oregon, have released a course map for the championship races, as well as preliminary info about the preceding time trial races to determine start orders for age-based events. For the second consecutive year, the championship course is located on the grounds of the Deschutes Brewery, adjacent to the Old Mill District, but it has been lengthened to help prevent lapped riders from becoming an issue. Returning will be the staircase run-up, set of barriers and off-camber sections, but the addition of a fly-over will allow pedestrians to easily access the vendor area, beer garden and team car parking lots – without needing to cross the course.

The time trials will take place approximately 24 hours before each age-based championship race to determine seeding. Similar to last year’s championship, the top eight from the previous year will receive a call-up to the front row, as will any national champions who have aged up. The rest will be filled in based on time trial results, followed by those who opt out of competing in the TT.

“There’s not going to be anything super technically demanding, we don’t want flat tires or mechanical issues,” race director Brad Ross said of the time trial course. “But it will be physically demanding, with a couple of good long climbs and a good run-up section.”

The time trial will take place at NorthWest Crossing, on the north side of Summit High School. Anxious to get a peak of the course? It’s in the same location as the WebCyclery Thrilla CX Series, running every Thursday for the month of September.

You’ll find a comprehensive profile of the time trial and the upcoming Nationals, as well as interviews with Brad Ross and USAC’s managing director of national events Micah Rice in the just-mailed-out Issue 10, hitting the newsstands soon!

Similar to last year’s extravaganza, the 2010 Nationals promises to offer non-stop action both on and off the course, as worthy events are already springing up to lure you out of your pre-race cocoon and around town.

Preliminary Calendar for 2010 Nationals in Bend:

Wednesday December 8th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trial races in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions
• 2pm-5pm – Singlespeed Men and Womens National Championship races

Thursday December 9th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trial races in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions.
• 8am-5pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races
• 6pm-10pm – Cross Culture Bike Art Festival
• 7pm-9pm – Crossing Barriers masters women’s social gathering

Friday December 10th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trials in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions
• 8am – 5pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races
• 6pm-10pm – Cross Culture Bike Art Festival
• 7pm-9:30pm – Cyclocross film and music at the Tower Theater

Saturday December 11th

• 8am-4pm – Time Trials in NorthWest Crossing to decide starting positions
• 8am – 5pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races
• 6pm-10pm – Cross Culture Bike Art Festival
• 6pm-8:30pm – World premier of Brian Vernors new cyclocross film and live music at the Tower Theater
• 9pm-Late – Cross Nat’s Blowout Bash at Deschutes Brewery Warehouse
• 9:30pm – Clydesdale Cyclocross Championships of the Universe at the Deschutes Brewery Warehouse

Sunday December 12th

• 8am – 4pm – USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championship races